Late-onset Parry–Romberg syndrome in a patient with newly diagnosed HIV-2 infection

Abstract Sclerodermoid syndromes encompass a wide spectrum of rare diseases, with variable clinical presentation and severity. We present a case of a 31-year-old woman, Fitzpatrick’s phototype V, who presented to our dermatology department with a 5-year history of linear atrophy of her right hemiface, which rapidly progressed during the first 2 years and then stabilized. There were no identifiable triggers, namely, drugs, infections, or trauma. Physical examination revealed a linear depression on her right hemiface, alongside a mild right enophthalmos. Laboratory examination revealed a positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 2 serology, with detectable viral load. The skin biopsy was compatible with late-stage morphea. The diagnosis of Parry–Romberg syndrome and HIV-2 infection was established. This patient illustrates a case of late-onset Parry–Romberg syndrome, in which HIV-2 infection may have been the trigger, due to a possible mechanism of molecular mimicry.